How Long Do Solar Panels Last? The Average Lifespan of Solar Panels

Renewable energy resources are up and coming, making prospective users insecure about the costs involved with it. While a solar panels system is the most practical residential and commercial renewable energy solution, it is essential to recognize how enduring the returns of this investment are. This includes understanding the life of solar panels and how long you can expect them to provide electric power.

Solar Panels are proven to last an average of 25-30 years if maintained well. The electricity production by no means stops after the said period; however, the panels' efficiency does decline significantly compared to when they were newly installed.

So, What Is the Panel Degradation Rate?

Solar panels' energy output declines gradually over the years, approximately in two decades. Every year, solar Panel outputs dip by an insignificant 0.8% average. This degradation rate depends on numerous factors; however, new and improved technology developed by engineers has led to headway in prolonging the lifespan of solar panels. This has helped immensely in reducing the degradation rates to as low as 0.5%.

To understand how one can determine panel degradation rate, consider the following scenario:

Let’s say you have a 0.8% degradation rate - this means that that your panels will run at 99.2 percent of their initial output in the second year after installation and 82.5 percent by the finish of their decade-long "usage period." A much more resilient panel with a degradation rate of 0.5 percent would then certainly produce approximately 87.5 percent of the power it did when the panel was initially installed.

As a result, the degradation rate is an influential factor when analysing solar panels before you invest.

Why Do Solar Panels Degrade?

Solar Panels are non-motile, relatively stationary, and fixed at one spot; the threat of physical damage is comparatively less than that of other sustainable energy resources. The most contributing factors towards solar panel degradation are usually heavy weather damage, positioning, or debris.

Weather:

The weather has a solid impact on the lifespan of solar panels. For instance, severe wind can cause fallen branches and perhaps harm the solar panels' anti-reflective glass covering, or heavy snowfall can lead panes to lose structural integrity, leading to deterioration. Likewise, heavy chunks of ice can cause glass breakage.

Positioning of Panels:

Photovoltaic cells present in the solar panels function by absorbing solar energy. Therefore, installing your panels such that they receive as much sunlight as possible can enhance their productivity. As a result, panel mounting is an essential element to consider when it comes to energy generation.

Methods To Increase The Longevity Of Your Solar Panel Systems:

Invest with a reliant Solar Company

Whether residential solar panels or commercial, working with reputable and trusted installation services is always advised for a more probable and desired outcome. Well experienced installers are trained to set up a solar system that maximizes its efficiency to the best of its specs.

Product warranty also plays a vital role in ensuring a long-life span. There are essentially two types of warranty to look out for:

1 - Equipment warranty (to guarantee against mechanical flaws)

2 - Performance warranty (to ensure that your panels will generate a set amount of electrical energy.)

Get your solar panel systems checked regularly.

We just cannot stress enough on how important it is to have your installer do routine checks that cover every component of your solar system. These regular checks pre-emptively reveal potential issues that could develop over time.

It is advisable not to do these checks yourself, as even minor scratches can void the user warranty agreement. Furthermore, meticulously go through every component, from the solar inverters to the roof racking systems, even the wires, and connectors. Unprotected wiring, unstable rack, microcracks, tangled cabling, and other hazards can be uncovered and easily fixed this way before they cause serious damage.

It is also preferred to invest in microinverters; they offer longer lifespans that coincide with the solar system's 25–30-year lifespan, thus reducing further maintenance costs that would've abruptly interrupted smooth usage.

Maintenance and Cleaning

It is imperative to keep your panels out in the clear by protecting them from debris and other potential damaging materials. Consequently, it's essential to select an ideal location to install the solar panel system reducing the risk of a branch from a nearby tree falling and damaging the panels. Investing in certain products that can prevent certain damages from occurring can be a brilliant idea.

Battery Restoration

While considering a solar panel system that incorporates a battery backup system, you need to factor in repair and replacement expenses. Therefore, examining lithium-ion and lead-acid battery packs on a routine basis would be an intelligent choice. You can essentially prolong the life of your batteries by adequately installing and monitoring them.

And if you need someone to do all the good things for you and make sure your solar panels are up for a long runtime, there is no one better than Sunboost!

Call now on 1300786266 and get your solar systems installed.